the rebels are making advances. they hope to soon control the city, the commercial capital. after that, damascus. richard engel, nbc news. >> we are also hearing new reaction off capitol hill. it's the supreme court's decision to take up two challenges to same-sex marriage. regardless of public opinion, it belongs to the nation's highest court. >> prior to this election, every vote has been and made it through a legislature, not the vote of the people. it's always in california, the people voted itself. we'll look and see from the supreme court. >> this is part of our future. marriage equality and the people who made this decision is part of what america is about. >> joining me now is elizabeth birch. it's great to see you today. a lot to talk about. the most recent polling which, i think, will be a surprise to some. 53% in support of legalizing marriage equality, tieing the previous record high. among young people, 18 to 29-year-olds in age range, 73% say they think same-sex marriages should be recognized as valid. you have been on the front lines of this fight. is this an